Justin Kluivert is returning to the Netherlands squad with a new perspective, following a thorough vetting process by coach Xavi that included conversations with the forward’s former managers.
The 27-year-old Bournemouth player, who has spent time in all five major European leagues, is aiming to solidify his place in the national team as it closes out its Nations League campaign.
Xavi reached out to Kluivert’s previous trainers to gain an understanding of the player’s personality and professional habits, a detail Kluivert shared with NOS Voetbal. “He wants to know who he is dealing with, so he spoke to my former trainers,” Kluivert said. He added that he considers the coach’s proactive approach a positive sign of the drive needed for the national team.
Kluivert’s return to the national team setup follows a difficult period that included a missed penalty during the World Cup shootout against Morocco, which resulted in the Netherlands’ elimination. The player, who had been a reliable penalty taker for his clubs, admitted that the miss in Monterrey, where his shot hit the post, “has gnawed at me.” He said that the experience was particularly challenging because he had not touched the ball in the match before stepping up to the spot.
Despite the disappointment and subsequent online criticism, Kluivert told VoetbalPrimeur that he maintains a professional outlook, emphasizing that he took responsibility for the miss and received support from teammate Donyell Malen to move forward.
Having transitioned from an expansive winger to a more mature attacking midfielder at Bournemouth, Kluivert sees himself as a different player than the teenager who debuted for the national team in 2018. The current national team coach may deviate from the tactical limitations of his predecessor, Ronald Koeman, who did not view a midfield featuring Frenkie de Jong, Joey Veerman, and Kluivert as a viable option.
Now 27, Kluivert is prioritizing consistency at his current club in the Premier League, where he is under contract until mid-2028. “I am super grateful that I was allowed to be there,” he said.
The Netherlands is scheduled to face Greece on Friday in Amsterdam, followed by a match against Germany in Berlin on Tuesday.
Whether Kluivert will finally secure his first international goal remains the central question as he integrates into Xavi’s new tactical system; it is not yet known if the coach will prioritize this specific midfield configuration in the upcoming qualifiers.
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